Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Aug 2nd, 2011 Do You Need An “I” Exam?

Today’s Passages – Isaiah 14 – 18; Proverbs 2

(Second Milers also read – Luke 21 – 22; Memorize – Matthew 7:7 – 8 )

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” – (Isaiah 14:12-14)

Five times in this passage, we see Lucifer (Satan) using the phrease “I will”.  Did you ever notice how much we use the word “I”. We, like Satan, are full of ourselves. Satan fell because of his pride, and must of us have the same problem. We would never admit it, but we are really the “god” of our own lives. We worship orselves. We are really not much different than Satan. It is natural to exalt ourselves, and it is very diffficult to humble ourselves; but humility is required for us to surrender to Christ. In order to be saved, we need to humble ourselves, and in order to live the spirit filled life, we must continually abase ourselves and lift up Christ. Easier said than done.

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” – (Psalm 34:3)

“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” – (Luke 14:11)

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” – (Proverbs 16:18)